Tanking in Battlefield 1 is a vital aspect of team play, offering both offensive and defensive support in capturing objectives and securing victories. While BF1 makes tanking somewhat more accessible than previous titles, mastering the art of tank warfare still requires knowledge, skill, and strategic thinking. This guide covers the best tank loadouts for different scenarios and essential tactics to improve your effectiveness on the battlefield. This is not about farming kills by sitting at the edge of the map; it’s about pushing objectives, supporting your team, and making an impact.

Understanding Tank Abilities

Each tank in Battlefield 1 comes with two special abilities in addition to its primary weapons. These include:

• Mortars – Long-range explosive shells ideal for enemy positions.
• Smoke Screens – Conceal movement and cover retreats.
• Health Supplies – Heal yourself and allies near you.
• Ammo Resupply – Provides teammates with ammunition.
• Defensive Gas & Smoke – Creates area denial and confusion.
• Quick Repair – Fix minor damage without exiting the tank.
• Mobility Restore – Restores tank movement if crippled.
• Anti-Tank Mines – Place mines to counter enemy armor.

Knowing what abilities your tank has and using them effectively is crucial to surviving on the battlefield.

The Landship: Heavy Support, But Vulnerable

Landships are large, slow-moving tanks that require teamwork to be effective. Due to their size and low mobility, they are easily flanked. While they pack serious firepower, they need a dedicated crew to maximize effectiveness.

Best Variant: Squad Support Landship

• Offers health and ammo resupply for teammates.
• Has a rear-facing machine gun to counter flanking infantry.
• Works best with a coordinated squad.

When to Avoid Landships

• If playing solo; they require a team to be effective.
• When mobility is needed; they are too slow to reposition.

Heavy Tanks: The Behemoth of the Battlefield

Heavy tanks are the most resilient armor class, capable of taking heavy damage and providing devastating firepower. They excel in area control and pushing objectives but require careful positioning due to their size.

Best Variant: Heavy Breakthrough Tank

• Large front cannon for tank duels.
• Two explosive-heavy machine guns covering flanks.
• Rear-mounted twin machine gun for added defense.
• Comes with supply and quick repair abilities.

Other Heavy Tank Variants:

• Flamethrower Tank – Excellent for urban combat but lacks range.
• Heavy Assault Tank – Strong all-around but requires a full squad.

Light Tanks: The Solo Player’s Best Friend

Light tanks are nimble, making them the best choice for solo players. Their speed allows them to flank enemies and escape engagements where heavier tanks would be doomed.

Best Variant: Light Flanker Tank

• Best for mobility and solo tanking.
• Equipped with anti-tank mines and mobility restore.
• Features HE shells for clearing infantry and canister shells for armored targets.
• Effective for aggressive objective play.

The Artillery Truck: Long-Range Devastation

The artillery truck is highly controversial among the BF1 community. While it offers exceptional long-range firepower, it promotes camping and is often used by players who avoid objectives.

Pros:

• Can engage infantry, armor, and aircraft from long distances.
• Quick repair feature allows it to sustain itself indefinitely.

Cons:

• Encourages static play, which isn’t ideal for objective-based gameplay.
• Vulnerable when repositioning.

Best Use: Position yourself strategically on large maps like Empire’s Edge to provide support fire without being overly passive.

The St. Chamond Assault Tank: A Tactical Choice

The St. Chamond is a unique tank that excels at area denial with its artillery barrage ability. When positioned correctly, this tank can clear enemy fortifications and objectives with ease.

Best Variant: Field Assault Tank

• Calls in artillery barrages using carrier pigeons.
• Strong main cannon with minimal drop, making it great for tank duels.
• More maneuverable than the heavy tanks, allowing for strategic repositioning.

Essential Tanking Tactics

1. Positioning & Cover

• Avoid open fields where you can be flanked.
• Always keep your front armor facing enemy fire.
• Use structures, terrain, and debris as cover.

2. Flanking & Maneuvering

• Light tanks should use speed to flank heavier tanks.
• Heavy tanks should hold key positions to deny enemy movement.
• If chased, drop mines in tight paths to ambush pursuing armor.

3. Supporting Your Team

• Use Squad Support Landships or Heavy Breakthrough Tanks to provide cover and resupplies.
• Drop mines and mortars on key objectives to delay enemy pushes.
• Avoid overextending; always have an escape plan.

4. Repairing & Resource Management

• Repair often; don’t wait until your tank is critically damaged.
• Utilize quick repairs in combat and full repairs in safe locations.
• Keep track of your special abilities and use them efficiently.

5. Choosing Your Engagements Wisely

• Do not engage enemy tanks head-on unless you have the advantage.
• If outmatched, retreat and reposition rather than committing to a losing fight.
• Use terrain and teammates to bait enemies into traps.

Conclusion: Tanking is More Than Just Firepower

Tanking in Battlefield 1 isn’t just about farming kills—it’s about map control, supporting teammates, and making strategic plays. Whether you choose the heavy-hitting Breakthrough Tank, the nimble Light Flanker, or the devastating Artillery Truck, positioning, awareness, and teamwork are the keys to success.

Master these tactics, choose the right tank for the job, and dominate the battlefield. See you out there, tanker!